Gov. Paterson did the right thing last week by vetoing a job-killing bill that would have cost New Yorkers untold millions in stealth taxes.

In his waning hours in office, Paterson nixed “prevailing wage” legislation that would’ve forced utilities like Con Edison and National Grid to pay contractors nearly triple the minimum wage.

That may sound tough on workers, but Paterson’s pen just saved everyone a woeful New Year.

When the utilities get pinched, the rising costs get passed on to customers as rate hikes. National Grid expected the damage to reach $18 million, and Con Ed and Orange & Rockland Utilities expected the bill to cost $21 million a year.